Why states need to develop rural health outreach programs
Disparities in rural health care have been well established with respect to socioeconomic status, race, and geography. COVID-19 brought these disparities to the surface within most rural communities in the United States, highlighting the limited access to health care specialists and subspecialists.
As an otolaryngologist, I have had the privilege and unique opportunity of serving two different communities: Chicago’s city dwellers and residents of rural central Illinois. This past year, I have seen that the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the already existing disparities between these two places, as it has across the nation.
CHAMPAIGN â Get ready to roll up some more sleeves, Champaign County.
A second shipment of COVID-19 vaccine is expected to arrive in Champaign County this week and is expected to include several thousand doses, according to Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Administrator Julie Pryde.
Last weekâs shipment allowed for hundreds of Carle Foundation Hospital employees and dozens at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center to be vaccinated.
Next up for vaccinations in Champaign County: Many health care workers who havenât yet been vaccinated, including more at Carle and OSF, plus some direct patient care staff members at Frances Nelson Health Center, Christie Clinic and University of Illinois McKinley Health Center, Pryde said.